Pasquantino headlines Team Italy's Classic roster

After playing for Team Italy in the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, Hall of Famer Mike Piazza is now managing the squad in 2023. And the roster at Piazza’s disposal features several big leaguers, some notable prospects and one particularly interesting pitching addition.

Team Italy’s 30-man roster for the 2023 World Baseball Classic includes Royals infielders Vinnie Pasquantino and Nicky Lopez, Angels infielder David Fletcher and a handful of arms with big league experience -- including former All-Star Matt Harvey. All rosters for the 20-team tournament were announced Thursday night on MLB Network.

Team Italy, which bowed out in the first round of the event in 2017 but advanced to the second in 2013, will play in Pool A from March 8-13 in Taiwan. The pool also features Chinese Taipei, the Netherlands, Cuba and Panama.

To be eligible for the roster, a player must have an Italian passport, be a legal resident of the country, have a parent from the country or present documentary evidence that he would be granted citizenship or a passport in due course under Italian laws, if he were to apply for such citizenship or passport.

Here is a position-by-position breakdown of Team Italy. Within each position, players are listed in alphabetical order, with any affiliation to an MLB organization noted in parentheses.

Catchers: Vito Friscia (Phillies), Alberto Mineo, Dominic Miroglio (D-backs), Brett Sullivan (Padres)

Friscia, Miroglio and Sullivan all played at the Triple-A level last year. Sullivan has also seen time in the outfield and infield.

Infielders: David Fletcher (Angels), Robel García, Nicky Lopez (Royals), Miles Mastrobuoni (Cubs), Vinnie Pasquantino (Royals), John Valente (Tigers)

Royals teammates Lopez and Pasquantino (known in some circles as “The Italian Nightmare”) team up for Italia, too. Fletcher also gives Italy big league pedigree in the infield.

Outfielders: Ben DeLuzio (Cubs), Dominic Fletcher (D-backs), Sal Frelick (Brewers)

Frelick was the No. 15 overall Draft pick in 2021, is the Brewers’ No. 2 prospect and is rated No. 30 in all of MLB by MLB Pipeline. Fletcher is the D-backs’ No. 13-rated prospect and is David Fletcher’s younger brother. DeLuzio debuted in the big leagues with the Cardinals last year and recently signed a Minor League deal with the Cubs. The Italy roster has several other players capable of providing innings in the outfield.

Pitchers: Joe Biagini, Ryan Castellani, Nick Fanti^, Matt Festa (Mariners), Sam Gaviglio, Matt Harvey, Joe LaSorsa^ (Rays), Braxton Lorenzini, Joey Marciano^ (Giants), Mike Nittoli (Cubs), Andre Pallante (Cardinals), Nicolo Pinazzi^ (Reds), Claudio Scotti (Mets), Mitchell Stumpo (D-backs), Vin Timpanelli, Michele Vassalotti, Stephen Woods

^ denotes left-handed pitcher

Harvey, the one-time All-Star with the Mets, is the headliner here. But Biagini, Castellani, Festa, Gaviglio and Pallante have all pitched in the Majors, as well.